Lesson Report:
### **Lesson Report: The Influence of Persistent Government Actors on U.S. Foreign Policy**
#### **Synopsis**
In this session, the class examined the roles of persistent government institutions and external policy-influencing actors in shaping U.S. foreign policy. Building on the last discussion that juxtaposed the concept of the “deep state” with “the blob,” today’s lesson focused on dissecting these terms further, with an emphasis on bureaucratic momentum and continuity across administrations. Students analyzed the ways various institutions—government agencies, media, think tanks, lobbying groups, and academia—impact foreign policy and contribute to long-term strategic decision-making. The lesson concluded with a concept-mapping activity that reinforced these themes.
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### **Attendance**
– The transcript explicitly mentions **four students present**.
– No explicit mention of absences.
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### **Topics Covered**
#### **Review of “Deep State” vs. “The Blob”**
– Recap of the previous lesson’s discussion distinguishing between the intelligence-driven “deep state” and the broader “blob” that includes think tanks, lobbying groups, and media.
– The key shared trait: **both persist across administrations** and are **not directly accountable to voters**.
– Discussion of how they influence policy primarily toward **maintaining U.S. strategic dominance and domestic stability**.
– The deep state conceptualization suggests a **shadow government with limited transparency**, which some critics argue undermines democratic governance.
– The blob conceptualization (from Stephen Walt) provides a **less conspiratorial, structural explanation**, focusing on bureaucratic momentum.
#### **Bureaucratic Momentum & Revolving Door Effect**
– **Bureaucratic Momentum**: Despite political changes at the executive level, U.S. policy remains consistent due to entrenched decision-making patterns and institutional resistance to reform.
– **Revolving Door Phenomenon**: Officials move between government positions, think tanks, media, and lobbying firms, reinforcing established narratives and limiting policy flexibility.
– Example: Former Congress members moving into think tanks or lobbying firms after leaving office.
– Example: Henry Kissinger’s persistence across multiple administrations.
#### **Institutions Constituting “The Blob” and Their Roles**
##### **Government Institutions**
– **Actors**: Intelligence agencies (CIA, FBI, NSA), National Security Council, Department of Defense, and State Department.
– **Influence Mechanism**: These institutions retain personnel across administrations, ensuring continuity in U.S. foreign policy strategy.
– **Example**: Mid-level management in intelligence agencies remains stable, even when leadership changes.
##### **Media’s Role in Policy Influence**
– **Shaping Public Opinion**: Framing of issues aligns public perception with specific foreign policy goals.
– **CNN Effect**: Media coverage pressures the government into action (e.g., Vietnam War, Rwandan Genocide).
– **Echo Chambers & Political Bias**: Politicians, like former President Trump, consume ideologically aligned media, reinforcing policy stances.
##### **Think Tanks & Lobbying Groups**
– **Think Tanks** serve as intellectual engines for policy generation, preparing pre-drafted legislation and strategy frameworks.
– **Example**: Heritage Foundation’s influence on Reagan-era and Trump administration policies.
– **Lobbying Groups** offer financial backing and policy influence, often shaping legislature in favor of corporate or interest group goals.
– **Example**: Silicon Valley tech lobbyists advocating for AI regulation changes.
##### **Academia’s Influence**
– **Idea Formation & Policy Framing**: Theoretical frameworks from academia shape policymaking philosophies (e.g., neoliberalism influencing U.S. domestic and foreign policies).
– **Training Future Leaders**: Elite universities (Harvard, Yale) educate policymakers who carry academic training into public office.
– **Expert Consultation**: Scholars contribute research, op-eds, and congressional testimony.
#### **Concept-Mapping Activity**
– Students divided into groups to analyze how each institution influences policy.
– **Government institutions**: Advisory roles, legitimacy, structural power over elected officials.
– **Media**: Public discourse control, exposure framing.
– **Think tanks/lobbyists**: Pre-prepared policy proposals, campaign financing.
– **Academia**: Long-term ideological influence on policymakers.
– Group presentations linked these elements back to bureaucratic momentum and policy continuity.
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### **Actionable Items**
#### **For Next Class Preparation**
– Briefly recap bureaucratic momentum at the start of Monday’s lesson.
– Transition into post-9/11 U.S. foreign policy and its regional impact (e.g., Central Asia).
#### **Grading and Feedback**
– **Remind students to check syllabus** for preterm project guidelines.
– Continue reviewing and providing feedback on student inquiries (e.g., Jade’s research topic).
#### **Course Logistics**
– **Confirm posted materials** for upcoming topics on contemporary regional strategies.
– Address **student concerns regarding research sources and neutrality** (e.g., case study of U.S. involvement in Kyrgyzstan).
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This report provides an extensive record of the lesson, ensuring continuity for future classes.
Homework Instructions:
NO HOMEWORK.
There was no explicit mention of homework being assigned during the lesson. The professor concluded the class by discussing upcoming topics for future lessons and advising a student on their project, but did not provide any formal homework instructions to the class.